October 11, 2003

The Importance of Playing With Babies

by Shari Steelsmith

Tip—Work one or more regular play times into your daily routine with your baby.

Think about it. You’re an infant, a young one, maybe you haven’t yet quite figured out how to roll over. Everything is new and interesting. You explore with your eyes, your ears, your mouth, and, after you discover them, your hands. In short, play is a baby’s work—how s/he learns. It is immensely important. If you notice, the pediatrician usually watches for how the baby plays at his check ups. It is one of the ways the doctor checks development.

You can help your baby learn and stimulate growth with simple, classic baby games. They’re easy and fun to do and enriching for the baby. Plus, it offers a nice bonding time between parent and child—or even older sibling and baby.

Tools—These learning games are only a few of many in my book, Peekaboo . . . and Other Games to Play with Your Baby. Choose a time to play when baby is calm and alert—not fussy. Only play for as long as she pays attention—even if it’s only for 45 seconds.

Peekaboo. Nearly everyone knows how to play this. First, smile at your baby and make eye-contact with him. Then cover your eyes (not baby’s) with a blanket or cloth. Lift it up and say, “Peekaboo!” Watch him smile or laugh.

Peekaboo has universal appeal to babies, who are only just learning that people and things still exist when you can’t see them.

Block Play. At about six or seven months, your baby can begin to learn to stack things. Blocks are a fun way to start. Her favorite part will be knocking a simple tower down. This play helps her understand “down” better and it encourages her to copy you. Show her how to stack two or three blocks on top of one another (no more than three). Help her to stack if she needs it. Then show her how to knock the blocks down. Say “Down!” Clap and smile when she does it. Repeat for as long as she likes.

Hat and Mirror Game. By playing this game you will help your baby learn where his head is. Using the mirror helps him see how his hands work to do what he wants. Sit down with your baby in front of a wall or door mirror. Put a hat on his head. Say, “The hat is on baby’s head!” Point to his head in the mirror. Let him take the hat off and put it back on. Watch him try to find his head. Repeat with another hat, or large plastic bowl.

You’ll find more practical tips you can use right now in Peekaboo . . . and Other Games to Play with Your Baby by Shari Steelsmith.

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